GM Bret’s Outpost VI: Gallows of Madness! (Inactive)

Game Master BretI

Know History: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Mallycorn speaks with conviction and genuine interest of battles of the past, hoping to get on the man's good side

Relgar does not know anything about their history (or any history for that matter) but he does know how to lie convincingly. He supports Mallycorn's story with colourful anecdotes and trivia which are near impossible to disprove but that a gnome might remember.

Bluff auto-aid for Mallycorn.

"Did you know that ladies of that era favoured blue bonnets and that they liked to throw tea parties every fortnight to celebrate the great warriors of the past? Such details like this are often left out of the official reports."

The man eventually gets around to telling you that he is the owner, Gunty.

He seems interested in what Mallycorn has to say about the Goblinblood Wars.

In response to Relgar’s stories, he glares at the gnome and says “I was there, shorty. How do you think I got my leg all busted up! Can tell you, wasn’t no party for me!”

Gunty grouses about the time Noemi wastes with her “no-good friends,” and reveals that he believes Noemi is misbehaving because of the talking he gave her when she carelessly burned the buns four days ago.

“Bet the lot of them have some sort of trick they are planning in retaliation. Recently been hearing buzzing noises and seeing flickering lights. Not sure what they got planned, but willing to bet they are using the orchard as a staging area. Found bunch of trampled fruit two nights ago.”

Looking at the others working there, he calls out “Got ta have order and discipline!”

If he wasn’t a drill instructor in the army, he must have still learned his management style from one.

Relgar shrugs at yet another grouchy person in this colourless town. He will be glad to be out of here before the bleaching sets in.

The gnome's face brightens at the mention of another lead.

"Where is that orchard you are talking about? Perhaps we can put an end to this mischief before it gets started."

He points in the rough direction and says “Go to the corner. Can see it from there.”

Good, yet another lead. whisper to herself I would rather have Zarta send me to deal with the Blakros family, than running around in this town.
Furen start to share Relgar's distaste for this place.

"Thank you. Please allow me." John gives the cart with a broken wheel a bit of helpful a boost before departing.
Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Azalmak warms up his muscles to help Cracking John with the cart, but seeing him doing so well with it, he shrugs and waits for everyone to be ready to leave.

"Let's hope we don't run into any more giant insects" he comments once they've left the bakery.

Gunty is quite impressed by Cracking John’s help with the cart. “Here, have a loaf of bread.” The loaf is still warm from the oven and smells great.

The group leaves the bakery and takes a short walk to the orchards.

The sprawling apple orchard near the center of Saringallow has seen better days. Rows of neglected apple trees sway in the wind, and the occasional rotting, worm-eaten fruit falls with a wet thud to the ground below.

At the southern end of the orchard you find a place where the earth is heavily trampled. An overturned barrel of apples lies broken on its side, exuding a sickly sweet scent.

Survival check to inspect the trampled area.

John tears into the fresh bread voraciously, nearly consuming the whole loaf before reaching the orchard.

Invigorated by his sizeable snack, he readily reads the signs left within the trampled area.
Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Relgar turns to John.

"So, do you see anything in this mess?"

The bread is fresh and hearty. An excellent way to start the day.

John determines that two humanoid creatures fought here several days ago. The victor half-carried the loser — a large person — away to the south.

Following the trail you come to an area with a lot of fruit on the ground.

Everyone can make a perception roll

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"Two people fighting and the victor carrying, or in this case dragging, the loser somewhere else - just like in the graveyard."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Furen frowns. Signs of fighting can only means more troubles and dangers we have to hide from townfolks

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

"I suspect the defeated was dragged off this way."

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Relgar sees nothing but fruit.

Gaius notices some very thin strands of a purplish-black substance clinging to a nearby tree. Checking the tree, he finds a patch of bark beneath the strands has begun to decay. All of the fruit from that tree has fallen to the ground.

John realizes that some of the tracks had run from this spot to where the fight occurred.

"Perhaps it is the Demon Bile we found before?"

"Furen could you try to get rid of it with your cold iron weapon."

"I hope no one is infected with that stuff."

"If the demon bile we found in the graveyard is not an isolated instance, then the situation might be worse than we think" Furen draw out her cold iron morningstar and get to work

Gaius has his bow at the ready to cover Furen while she eradicates the Demon Bile in case more giant vermin appear.

Perception in case there is something more: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

"I worry that some or all the apprentices are infected with it, or involved with it in some way."

Maybe it started with one, accidentaly, then things gone worst. It's a possibility.

Mallycorn thinks a bit, then adds

I'm quite worried about how this bile came. There must have been a dangerous creature from another plane, either summoned or trapped here, somewhere.

"Is there any devil, demon, or daemon that's usually associated with bile?"
Furen doesn't have any knowledge about them

"Is there any devil, demon, or daemon that's usually associated with bile?"

Furen doesn't have any knowledge about them

This is what we learned earlier, "Gaius recognizes the substance as Demon Bile. Demon Bile is biological in nature and will grow if left unchecked. It is an abyssal disease that corrupts creatures that ingest it, slowly eroding their minds while causing hallucinations and madness.

It can be destroyed by touching it with cold iron, a good aligned weapon, or any positive energy such as a healing spell or channeling.

He knows that it attracts vermin of all kinds and often causes them to grow gigantic. Fortunately it seems these ants did not return to their hive and lead the other ants to the infection." It could be that I didn't hit a high enough DC (Gaius had a 19) to learn the information you're asking about. Abyssal suggests demons; I think a Knowledge (Religion) might reveal which demon lords are associated with disease but it could be a lengthy list.

Relgar looks over at Gauis. Some people may be missing a few crayons but Furen is lucky to have one that is not broken. He thought that they had already gone over all of this yesterday.

Furen has an exceptionally low intelligence score so it would make sense that her memory is less than perfect. Good RP. :)

The character Furen is based on is incredibly stupid in...let's say Intelligence associated subjects or stuff one usually learn in school. So anything she didn't write down, she and I will probably forget it. And oh god please don't ask her do to math

"So it's abyssal stuff, but since we're basically in Cheliax one will expect infernal stuff? It doesn't make sense to me."

The character Furen is based on is incredibly stupid in...let's say Intelligence associated subjects or stuff one usually learn in school. So anything she didn't write down, she and I will probably forget it. And oh god please don't ask her do to math

"So it's abyssal stuff, but since we're basically in Cheliax one will expect infernal stuff? It doesn't make sense to me."

"Evil doesn't recognize boundaries and foolish people will make bargains with powers they don't understand."

You are most definitely not in Cheliax. Also Demons and Devils don’t like each other.
Demons and Devils have been at war with each other for longer than recorded history.

Furen goes up to the tree and holds her weapon against the strands. They boil away like the other Demon Bile did. Seems to be the same stuff, just in thin strands. It is wrapped all around this tree.

As she starts doing this, Azalmak notices some movement high up in the branches of the tree. Something starts to glow up there. He has just enough time to shout a warning as you all hear a buzzing sound.

Round 1:

You can not see the creatures yet, but you do know the general area where they are about 25’ up in the branches of the tree. You wouldn’t know exact number, but it is reasonable to say more than two.

Delay and Ready may be useful to some of you this round.

Bolded may act

Relgar
Gaius
Cracking John
Azalmak
Furen
Mallycorn
Yellow
Green
Blue
Red
Purple

Gaius, covering Furen, readies a shot for when he can see the foes!

MW Composite Longbow (+1 Str) with Point Blank Shot: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 91d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Azalmak delays until one of the assailants makes themself known.

Furen goes up to the tree and holds her weapon against the strands. They boil away like the other Demon Bile did. Seems to be the same stuff, just in thin strands. It is wrapped all around this tree.

John reaches a grim conclusion. "It would seem that we are dealing with more vermin that simply ants. Thin strands could be webbing and this 'demon bile' could have found its way onto or into some massive spiders."

You can not see the creatures yet, but you do know the general area where they are about 25’ up in the branches of the tree. You wouldn’t know exact number, but it is reasonable to say more than two.

Noticing the rustling in the tree overhead, John grips tightly to his quarterstaff.

"Sometimes I hate being right."

John approaches the tree, taking up a protective stance.

Readied action to strike first enemy that comes within reach.

Mallycorn prays to Pharasma for assistance

your servant apologises for twisting the threads of Fate, but we need your favor

Cast Bless, 3 mn duration, +1 to Attacks and saves vs Fear

Relgar casts Mage Armor on himself and takes up a defensive posture (Total Defence). He also takes a careful step backwards away from the possible danger.

Delaying your action effectively wastes your action as your initiative will drop underneath those who are acting. However it does have its niche uses. :)

Furen step back to stand besides John "Reveal yourself, vile things! Face the divine punishment of Desna!" Annnd she cast Bless

Furen step back to stand besides John "Reveal yourself, vile things! Face the divine punishment of Desna!" Annnd she cast Bless

Mallycorn has already cast Bless, you might want to choose something else.

Totally missed the light color text, sorry
Will cast Guidance on herself then

Cracking John steps up next to Furen and gets ready to apply his staff to the side of whatever comes near.

Gaius has his bow ready, waiting for a clear shot.

Azalmak decides to wait and see what happens.

Mallycorn calls out for Pharasma’s blessing.

Relgar casts a protective spell on himself and prepares to defend himself.

Furen calls for her goddess to guide her actions.

You all see a flying bug about the size of a dog small discolored in the same way that the ants were. It is diving at Furen.

Kn: Planes to Identify

Gaius fires at it and misses. Then Cracking John swings and also misses.

The bug flies down to head height and bites at Furen. Having dodged all those attacks prevents it from biting her.
bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Azalmak said he wanted to delay until someone showed up.

Round 1:

Bless +1 morale attack +1 morale save vs fear

Bolded may act
Kn: Planes to identify

Relgar mage armor
Gaius
Cracking John
Azalmak
Furen guidance
Mallycorn
Yellow flying at head height
Azalmak
Green
Blue
Red
Purple

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 = 25

@GM: I'd like to know defenses and, if he hit high enough, special attacks.

"There you are" Azalmak mutters to himself as he runs to Furen's side to slash at the insect.

Scimitar: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 for slashing: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Gaius knows these are fiendish fire beetles, a perversion of the normal insects. Like normal insects they are immune to mind-affecting effects. They are also resistant to fire and cold. They have an ability to smite good creatures, but will normally instinctively use it on whatever creature they attack first.

It would be very embarrassing if the group couldn’t out think these creatures.

Azalmak rushes forward and slays the beetle that was bugging Furen in a single strike.

Green flies down and bites Cracking John.
bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Blue flies down and bites at Furen but misses.
bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Red flies down and bites at Azalmak but misses.
bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

1d3 ⇒ 3

Purple flies down and also attacks Azalmak. It also misses.
bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Round 2:

Bless +1 morale attack +1 morale save vs fear

Bolded may act

Kn: Planes to identify

All the creatures still alive are flying at head height.

Relgar mage armor
Gaius
Cracking John 4 damage
Azalmak
Furen guidance
Mallycorn
Yellow 9 damage
Azalmak
Green
Blue
Red
Purple

"Hathor guide my aim."

Gaius moves and shoots at the Greenie Meanie!

MW Composite Longbow (+1 Str) with Point Blank Shot, Bless: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 121d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

At least I'm rolling well on skill checks...

With his experience precisely shooting at a foe in melee, Gaius is able to hit and kill the green bug. Had to check that you had precise shot

Round 2:

Bless +1 morale attack +1 morale save vs fear

Bolded may act
Kn: Planes to identify
All the bugs still alive are flying at head height.

Relgar mage armor
Gaius
Cracking John 4 damage
Azalmak
Furen guidance
Mallycorn
Yellow 9 damage
Azalmak
Green 6 damage
Blue
Red
Purple

Mallycorn moves and strikes at the beetle with his cold iron mace

Blessed attack on purple: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16
dmg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Mallycorn’s mace connects with the purple bug, killing it.

Round 2:

Bless +1 morale attack +1 morale save vs fear

Bolded may act
Kn: Planes to identify
All the bugs still alive are flying at head height.

Relgar mage armor
Gaius
Cracking John 4 damage
Azalmak
Furen guidance
Mallycorn
Yellow 9 damage
Azalmak
Green 6 damage
Blue
Red
Purple 4 damage

Relgar sends two magical bolts at blue.

SR check, CL 4: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Magic Missile, CL 4: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 2 = 4

Relgar does feel some minimal resistance as he casts his spell, but it goes through and destroys Blue.

Round 2:

Bless +1 morale attack +1 morale save vs fear

Bolded may act
Kn: Planes to identify
All the bugs still alive are flying at head height.

Relgar mage armor
Gaius
Cracking John 4 damage
Azalmak
Furen guidance
Mallycorn
Yellow 9 damage
Azalmak
Green 6 damage
Blue 4 damage
Red
Purple 4 damage

Smash the red bug: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 11 dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Furen attacks the red bug

Furen just barely misses the red bug.

Round 2:

Bless +1 morale attack +1 morale save vs fear

Bolded may act
Kn: Planes to identify
All the bugs still alive are flying at head height.

Relgar mage armor
Gaius
Cracking John 4 damage
Furen
Mallycorn
Yellow 9 damage
Azalmak
Green 6 damage
Blue 4 damage
Red
Purple 4 damage

Seeing Red in front of him, Azalmak Studies his Target before striking again.

Scimitar plus Bless and Studied Target: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 23 for slashing: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11

Azalmak kills the last of the bugs.

Combat over
Feel free to heal Cracking John the 4 damage he took.

Searching the area, you find a masterwork sap on the ground.

Furen destroys the remaining Demon Bile on the tree.

Not finding anything else of interest here, Cracking John resumes following the trail where the body was dragged. The trail ends at the south edge of the orchard.